C. F. Martin 0-15 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1950)

C. F. Martin  0-15 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar  (1950)
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Item # 10738
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C. F. Martin 0-15 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1950), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 114536, natural mahogany finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.

This is a nicely preserved, great playing and sounding 1950 0-15, the lowest-ranked guitar model in Martin's post-WWII line. The 0-15 is a study in careful economy; the finish was less polished out than the otherwise identical 0-17, but structurally the guitars were the same. To achieve this economy the standard Martin appointments are reduced to the minimum. There is no ornament besides a W/B/W sound hole ring, tortoise celluloid pickguard, and gold Martin logo decal. The tuners are large-plate openback plastic-button Klusons with metal buttons typical of the late '40s.

This small-bodied all-mahogany guitar has a surprisingly loud and rich voice, brighter than some and sounds both great finger and flat--picked. While this was the least expensive guitar Martin offered, listing for an even $50.00 (plus case) in 1950. It is still built to the expected Martin standard of quality and is an extremely fine instrument. A total of 700 of these little mahogany marvels were shipped from Nazareth in 1950; this is a very nice playing example, complete in a modern hardshell case.
 
Overall length is 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).

Overall this Martin has been well kept for the last 70 years, with a few recent repairs have been made to preserve its longevity. The neck has been neatly reset, with a shim discreetly added under the fingerboard extension. The fingerboard has also been planed and re-fretted, although a few divots in fingerboard between the first and third fret still remain.

The body has some typical nicks, dings and scratches in the all-original lacquer finish, but the only crack is on the lower side, just below the heel to the turn of the bout not extending into the neck block itself. This has been properly sealed but not overfinished and shows no sign of movement. There are some deeper scrapes along the back edges and a noticeable ding on the top just below the bridge.

The original bridge has been replaced with a correct modern reproduction while the original bridgeplate and braces have remained perfectly untouched. The tuners are exact period open-back Klusons with metal buttons; it looks like something else was fitted at some point. The action is quite comfortable and this lovely 0-15 has a very balanced tone that is well suited for a wide range of playing styles. Excellent - Condition.